The response to the question of whether Kalvin Phillips would be able to participate in the World Cup came five minutes into the second half. The Manchester City midfielder entered the field just as Graham Potter's concerns increased as his Chelsea squad suffered yet another setback.
Potter has already had troubling losses against Brighton and Arsenal in addition to this cup humiliation, so maybe the mid-season break will give him a chance to reflect and figure out a way to get back into the top four.
The tournament in Qatar has undoubtedly corresponded with Phillips's return from shoulder surgery, which has required him to sit out for two months.
When he underwent surgery, he was considered a question mark for England's squad, but he returned to activity less than a day before Gareth Southgate announced his final roster.
Phillips successfully maintained his position and quickly threw down a few tackles to re-enter the game. It was a signal to Southgate that he was prepared to board the aircraft the next week.
He entered with the tie hanging in the balance, but Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez quickly sent City into the next round of the competition, which they have won four of the previous five years.
There will eventually be discussion about whether the quadruple is feasible this season.
Two young Lewises engaged in combat on one flank. Lewis Hall, 18, who was playing in his first game for Potter, was up against Rico Lewis, who had just scored in the Champions League against Sevilla the previous week. Both attempted to attack from fullback and briefly demonstrated why their teams had such high regard for them.
Jack Grealish, who sought his luck by firing shots from the area's edge, was the source of City's initial attacks, and Alvarez has continued to impress as Erling Haaland's suitable replacement.
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In prior seasons, Alvarez's recent goal streak would have prompted considerable interest in one of the Premier League's most intriguing talents, but Haaland has monopolized the spotlight. Ilkay Gundogan had sent him through, and he was just one inch from from increasing his lead.
When Chelsea decided to attack, they passed the ball to Christian Pulisic. The American has his sights set on the World Cup match against England later this month. Judging by his run and shot, which forced Stefan Ortega to make a full-stretch save, he will prove to be a difficult opponent for Southgate's defenders.
When he was located six yards out from Hakim Ziyech's cross, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has England aspirations too, forced Ortega to make another stop.
After Loftus-Cheek's shot was deflected, Ortega, playing in his first domestic match for City, adjusted to make a stop with his legs.
Hall found himself in a terrific position with a few seconds left in the first half and outsmarted Lewis. The German goalkeeper utilized his legs to prevent the finish when he had only Ortega to beat.
After the half, Bernardo Silva and Phillips both entered the game, and Bernardo Silva immediately caused difficulties for Chelsea with his aggressive running. They had the upper hand in their subsequent series of assaults since it altered the dynamics of City.
Up until Trevoh Chalobah attacked him on the edge of the area, Mahrez was the aggressor, charging Chelsea defenders and dodging challenges.
After winning the free kick, Mahrez took it and drilled it through the defensive wall and into the open side of the goal without Koulibaly or Armando Broja taking credit for their job there.
Alvarez increased the final tally, making it three victories in a row. Mahrez received a long pass that opened up the field of play, and after Edouard Mendy palmed the ball away, he moved to the penalty spot and tapped in.
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